Get out your sunglasses! July is Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Awareness Month; however, eyes are at risk all year round. UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that can come not only from the sun but also from tanning beds and sunlamps. UV rays can penetrate and change skin cells. There are three types of UV rays: ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC).

Here are some tips to minimize the risk of sun exposure from the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

• Check for 100 percent UV protection: Select sunglasses that block UV rays. Make sure your sunglasses block 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays. Don't be deceived by color or cost! The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the darkness of the lenses or the price tag.
• Choose wrap-around styles: Ideally, your sunglasses should wrap all the way around to your temples, so the sun's rays can't enter from the side.
• Don't be fooled by clouds: The sun's rays can pass through haze and thin clouds. Sun damage to eyes can occur anytime during the year, not just in the summertime.
• Protect your eyes during peak sun times: Sunglasses should be worn whenever outside, and it's especially important to wear sunglasses in the early afternoon and at higher altitudes, where UV light is more intense.
• Don't forget the kids: Everyone is at risk, including children. Protect their eyes with hats and sunglasses. In addition, try to keep children out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun's UV rays are the strongest.